King of the Island

What’re you recording?

Don’t mind me. I merely want to preserve Tao’s singing. So, what will you sing next?

Then you should record your singing, too—

Look! That’s it, right? The “Monkey Cage.”

The inescapable prison island, huh…

… So, I’m going to be imprisoned there.

(The entire island itself is a prison… I’ve played a game with this kind of setting before. So it exists. It feels more like fantasy.)

(Maybe I’m actually inside that game right now…? But if that’s the case, I could have pressed “reset” and run away.)

Everyone, line up! I’m the head warden and instructor here, Kodama!

I’ll be a nice guide and sponsor for everyone here, so you’d best remember my face properly.

From now on, your name’s the same as the number on your tag. Remember to answer with respect when your number is called!

(Tag number? Ah… There’s a number that comes with this uniform. Mine is… 500010.)

Listen up, scum. That tag is equipped with your biometrics. With that, the guards will always know exactly where you are and what you’re doing. Don’t even think of removing it, as the alarm will sound immediately.

Don’t even think of going AWOL, either. The moment you touch the prison’s extremely high wall, a notification will be sent to the main system, and then, of course, getting on a boat becomes a pipe dream!

You’ll be dealt with before you can climb on one, that is.

… Tch, if it’s impossible with a boat, maybe I can swim…

You wouldn’t be thinking of swimming across the sea, would you now!? The surrounding sea is infested with man-eating sharks.

You’ll die the moment you dive in, hahaha!

(I see… It’s true that escape sounds impossible.)

But, if you behave well, good things might happen during our recreational program. Well, depends on how hard you try.

Alright! This kind warden will answer just one question for you!
Let’s see, Number 500017! You have anything to ask me?!

… Tag Number 500017 represents myself.

Woah, look at 500017’s face. Is he a doll or something?

Poor thing, he’ll only be prey around here with that kind of face.

…!

(That face, is he…!?)

Data collection still in progress. There is no correction for outliers in the current data.

Hah? What are you even saying? If you don’t have a question, then that’s fine.

Now, get back to your own group and return to your room! Dismissed!

Ah… Wait, Kinari— I mean, 500017.

Number 500010! What are you doing? Go back to your assigned room immediately!

…

Number ’10, what did you do to end up here?

… Theft.

Don’t lie. There’s no way they put you here for such a minor crime. If that’s really the case, then you’re crazy unlucky.

Hey, newbies, go to sleep already. It’ll be a hassle if the guards come here because of the noise.

(But it really was theft. Even so, I was also imprisoned on a false accusation.)

(I guess I’m too unlucky? But what good does it do to dwell on it now? I’ve been unlucky since I was born…)

(Well, the bed here may be hard, but I have a place to sleep and a roof over my head…)

(It’s not that bad, actually. Compared to my life so far, maybe I’m lucky in a way. It’s nice to sleep while listening to the sound of the waves as well…)

Just now, Number 500017… No matter how I see it, that’s him, my classmate, right?

This one is a song for the dead.

I thought so, the lyrics are pretty sad, after all.

But hey, I always wondered. There are quite a few songs dedicated to the dead, but I don’t recall any songs of the dead.

I mean, isn’t that because dead people can’t write lyrics?

True, but… I think even the dead would have something they want to say.

Tao, if you happen to die tomorrow… What would you like to say to everyone else who’s still alive?

(That guy, I wonder why he asked me a question like that…)

“All inmates, please promptly proceed to today’s activity. I repeat…”

(My assigned duty is to clean the plaza. A simple task. I’m pretty lucky today.)

If this were a mini-game, this sort of task would award only a few points… Hmm?

Ah… Hey, Ki— I mean, 500017!

?

Same prison unit, huh. I’ve been wanting to talk to you… When’d you come here?

My imprisonment began yesterday at 6:18:23 PM…

That’s not— I mean, to this era… Actually, do you even remember me? We were in the same class before. I’m Tao Kinouchi.

…

Data analysis complete. That name is not found within the registry.

Conversational engagement is not a priority. Taking leave initiated.

Eh, hey?

… What’s wrong with him? Did he lose his memory?

Oh, he’s here— the princess who arrived yesterday.

500017, Pri~nce~ss~? What a cute face you have there. Why not play with me for a bit?

…

(Ah, that guy seems to be surrounded by some chumps.)

Hey, come here. Let’s play together.

I refuse. Currently, my prison duty has the highest priority.

Huh!? What’s with this guy!

W-wait a minute! You guys are being recorded by the security camera!
It’s wrong ganging up on one person for no reason… Right?

What the hell, are you a newbie, too? Want to get beaten up together!?

(Uh-oh, this is bad. There’s the size difference, plus hand-to-hand combat is not my area of expertise…)

Hmm, this is not a pretty scene. It’s quite unpleasant to look at.

(! Who now?)

Ugh, you are…

Bullying the newbies may be a custom in prison, but life is short, you know. If I were you, I’d rather use my time for something else more enjoyable.

Tch, we’ll be in trouble with that guy here. Let’s get out of here.

(… Did we just get saved?)

Umm, thank you… very much… And you are?

You’re welcome. Me? I’m Raito Kitakata.

For now… I’m the man they call “King of the Island.”